Ole Braatelien, Author at The Western Journal

Contributing Journalist

More Biographical InformationContact

Ole Braatelien, a writer for The Western Journal since 2022, earned his bachelor's from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

A new mother died in a fire set by a neighbor who was reportedly trying to kill a cockroach.

@dailystar / X screen shot

Woman's Attempt to Kill a Cockroach Leads to Apartment Fire That Leaves a New Mother Dead: Police

South Korean police are seeking an arrest warrant for the woman, whose reckless mistake endangered the lives of an entire community.

By Ole Braatelien and October 26, 2025

Alyssa Smith, left, was sentenced to three years in prison for child endangerment in the death of her 6-month-old son, who was killed by her boyfriend's pit bull. Blake Bates, the dog owner, who is listed by some sources as the baby's father, has also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the case.

angrifrog / X screen shot; @wsyx6 / X screen shot

Ohio Mom Sentenced to Prison for Leaving Her Baby Boy with an Aggressive Pit Bull Before He Was Mauled to Death

While the woman's boyfriend pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, he has yet to be sentenced for other unrelated charges.

By Ole Braatelien October 26, 2025

Oliver Holland, 11, "was enjoying a day at the beach when suddenly a helicopter malfunctioned and came crashing down on him," Oct. 11 in Huntington Beach, California, his family reported.

@KTLA / X screen shot; @gokhankaralar / X screen shot

Family of Boy Pinned in California Helicopter Crash Shares Update on His Condition: 'We are Praying for a Safe Recovery'

Bystanders rushed toward the downed helicopter. Moments before, the aircraft had spun wildly out of control before its tail rotor detached.

By Ole Braatelien October 26, 2025

Jason Askea, 46, and Kira Askea, 41, of Carrollton, Georgia, were accused of cruelty to children with excessive physical or mental pain.

@p_communityhub / X screen shot

Couple Arrested for Allegedly Abandoning Their Kids, Including a Toddler with Down Syndrome, at Desolate Campsite

One of the children reportedly suffered from untreated seizures, while all three were malnourished with decaying dental health.

By Ole Braatelien October 26, 2025

Quoc "Jake" Nguyen, a Marine veteran, was slain on Sept. 4, 2025, in Harris County, Texas.

@TrueCrimeUpdat / X screen shot

Marine Veteran Working as Rideshare Driver Murdered in Texas, 3 Teens Arrested

A former U.S. Marine, Quoc “Jake” Nguyen, worked as an Uber driver to take care of his mother and sisters. He was just 28 years old.

By Ole Braatelien October 26, 2025

Christopher Scholtes of Arizona pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2025, to second-degree murder with a domestic violence enhancement, and a charge of child abuse.

@CNylanderKVOA / X screen shot

Man Pleads Guilty in the Death of His Daughter – He Watched Porn and Played Video Games While She Sat in a Hot Car

Christopher Scholtes will serve 20 to 30 years for the death of his daughter. He reportedly had a history of leaving her in the car.